Tag Archives: Hearings

Hearing tip: be specific or be denied!

Be specific when answering the judge’s questions at your Social Security hearing. Avoid answering a question with, “occasionally,” “sometimes” or “every once in a while.”  This is not specific enough.   To you, “occasionally” may mean “every other day,” but the … Continue reading

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Hearing tip: stay positive! Your attitude matters!

I am going to let you in on a secret. In my years helping people with Social Security disability cases in Colorado, I have seen time and again: Judges respond to a positive attitude.   Here are some questions I have heard … Continue reading

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Denied at hearing? Here’s how to appeal the Judge’s decision to Social Security Appeals Council

If you are denied at your Social Security hearing by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you have the right to appeal the judge’s decision to the Social Security Appeals Council.   To do this, you need to file form HA-520-U5 … Continue reading

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Hearing tip: keep a journal of rest breaks

Here is a useful exercise you can do to prepare for your hearing:  keep a journal of everything you do from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, including every time you take a break.   … Continue reading

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What if the Judge wants me to change the date my disability began?

Nate Craig of Truth of the Matter Asserted has a great article about what it means if a judge wants you to change the date you became disabled, or in Social Security parlance “amend your alleged onset date (AOD).” Often, … Continue reading

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Plan to expand video hearings – but can lawyers be trusted?

Charles T. Halls’ Social Security News blog ran an interesting article about Social Security’s plan to expand the video hearing system.  Currently, video hearings take place with the claimant and their attorney (if they have one) at one ODAR (Office of Disability … Continue reading

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Hearing tip: don’t be browbeaten by the judge

You are finally at your hearing.  The judge, wearing black robes, turns to you and asks: “You last worked in 2003, right?” It’s the “Dirty Harry” moment! You try to remember.   Was it 2003?  Maybe it was 2004?  Or … Continue reading

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What to wear to your hearing? Comfort rules!

Your hearing has finally been scheduled?  Wonderful!  What will you wear? Does this seem an odd thing to ask?  After a ridiculously long wait, you finally get your chance to present your case to a judge.  There is a lot … Continue reading

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How long does It take to get a Social Security hearing?

In my experience with Colorado Social Security cases, hearings are usually scheduled approximately 12-14 months after the appeal is filed.   That is the most common time frame that I see for having a hearing scheduled. However,  I occasionally see cases … Continue reading

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I got a Partly Favorable decision. What does that mean? Am I partly disabled?

Getting a Partly Favorable or Partially Favorable decision in a Social Security disability claim is confusing for a lot of people.   First, lets go over what it does not mean.  Under the Social Security system, there is no partly … Continue reading

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How long after my Social Security hearing does it take to get a decision?

I went to my Social Security hearing. But, the Judge did not say if she was going to find me disabled or not. When do I get my decision?!? As you personally experienced, in most Social Security cases, the judge … Continue reading

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Hearing tip: know your judge

I enjoyed attorney Gordon Gates‘ article about knowing who your judge is in your Social Security case: The first thing I want to know when I receive a hearing notice for a Social Security disability claim is the name of … Continue reading

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The one element missing in most Social Security cases: a medical opinion of limitations

To be found disabled, generally you have to show that you are unable to perform some type of full time work. This is a simplification of the Social Security disability standard, but it is sufficient for this article. The most common … Continue reading

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Useful Site: Social Security’s Hearing Process

Social Security has a great website that describes the hearing process including how to file an appeal, what happens at a hearing, and how to file a complaint if you feel you have been mistreated by an Administrative Law Judge.

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Denied at Hearing? Request the Hearing Tapes

DisabilityAppeal.com has a interesting article on the importance of requesting the hearing tape if you are denied at hearing. In many instances, once the tapes are obtained and listened to, parts of the record will be inaudible. And in a … Continue reading

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